[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 41 (Thursday, March 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. RALPH C. LORIGO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2011

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ralph C. Lorigo and 
his many years of dedicated service to Western New York.
  Ralph was born on July 17th, 1947 to Ralph E. and Caroline (Juliano) 
Lorigo. He attended St. Lucy's School on Swan St. through the age of 12 
and went on to West Seneca High School after his family moved to West 
Seneca in 1960. Upon graduation from high school, Ralph earned his 
undergraduate degree from the University of Buffalo. He would go on to 
attend the University of Buffalo Law School, earning his juris 
doctorate degree in May of 1973.
  Ralph's interest in politics, which was certainly passed on to him 
from his mother Caroline, began in 1981 when he decided to run for Town 
Justice in West Seneca. Though his first bid was unsuccessful, Ralph 
went on to serve as a member of the Town Committee, then Town Chairman, 
and eventually as an Executive Board Member. In 1990, Ralph became the 
Erie County Conservative Vice-Chairman and in 1993 was a candidate for 
the New York State Supreme Court in a narrowly unsuccessful election 
campaign. Finally in 1995, Ralph became the Erie County Conservative 
Chairman and continues his work in that position to this day.
  In addition to his political career, Ralph is also a dedicated member 
of the West Seneca Lions Club. He helped start a West Seneca Youth 
Court in 1984, has taught in the West Seneca Continuing Education 
program since the 1970's, sat on the West Seneca Continuing Education 
Board for several years, and has been involved in many other community 
programs.
  Ralph is married to the former Deborah Caruana and has three adult 
children: son Michael (wife Devonie), son Joe (wife Jean), and daughter 
Jaime. Ralph and Deborah also have three grandchildren, Adrianna, 
Alana, and Alexa.
  On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, let me say that I have had the high 
privilege of knowing Ralph Lorigo for more than 25 years. As an 
attorney and political leader, Ralph's career has been one of intense 
dedication to those whom he has represented. But as a husband, father 
and community leader, Ralph's true priorities--family, faith and 
community--have never failed to stand out. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring Ralph C. Lorigo for his many years of tireless service 
on behalf of the Western New York community.

                          ____________________